Efficient 32-bit Processor with Custom Instructions

The new Andes Technology E8 CPU processor core targets Internet of Things (IoT) applications with the unique Andes Custom Extension™ (ACE) on a power-efficient compact embedded controller. SoC designs for IoT devices demand low power consumption in combination with high performance to handle compute intensive functions such as processing sensor data and wireless protocol stacks. The E8's unique ACE environment enables designers to specify the architectural element that makes the core ideal for IoT applications. With Andes' Custom-OPtimized Instruction deveLOpment Tools (COPILOT), designers can create custom instructions that differentiate their design from competitive offerings, which are based on standard instruction set processors. By adding special instructions, not easily discoverable by hackers, ACE also provides stronger security to a design.

Another E8 feature, FlashFetch, boosts performance while saving power. FlashFetch consists of a small amount of buffer near the processor core that enables repetitive functions to be executed efficiently thus eliminating power consuming flash memory accesses. With a three-stage pipeline, the E8 can achieve 1.82 DMIPS per MHz, which is far higher performance than other 32-bit alternatives while the power consumption and gate-count are as low as 8-bit controllers.